Based on how things are evolving in most parts of the world, we can all safely assume that this crisis caused by the new coronavirus isn’t going to be over any time soon and one of the most effective ways we have to protect ourselves and others from illness is by practicing good personal hygiene.

Here are some tips for preventing illnesses through good personal hygiene:

•Social distancing

People can spread the virus before they know they are sick. It is important to stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible, even if they do not have any symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Social distancing should be practiced in combination with other everyday preventive actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

•Wear a face mask

Face masks can reduce the virus’s spread by stopping droplets people breathe out and filtering some of what they breathe in. They are especially important in crowded and poorly ventilated areas. To wear the mask correctly, start by cleaning your hands before you put it on, and make sure the mask fits securely over your nose, mouth and chin. When the mask doesn’t cover your nose, you’re giving the virus an easy route for infection. If you wear a fabric mask, make sure it has two or more layers.

•Hand hygiene

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and at key times. Frequent and regular handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds is one of the most important prevention measures for COVID-19.

Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Key times for handwashing include after contact with a sick person; after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose; after touching potentially infected surfaces, such as laptops or doorknobs; before eating; and after using the bathroom.

•Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is an integral part of personal hygiene practices and should not be neglected. Similar to hand hygiene, oral hygiene is essential in reducing infection from the oral cavity, and thus, its transfer to the upper and lower respiratory tract. Although there is no randomised clinical trial, oral hygiene may imply to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to coronavirus disease pandemic potentially.

At present, standard oral hygiene measures consist of thorough cleaning of all surfaces of teeth, interdental areas, and tongue daily. Oral health-care providers should emphasize its importance. Thorough toothbrushing for “Two Times For Two Minutes” in a day is an easy key to remember.

•Sanitisation

While we know that the virus is primarily spread from person to person, it is theoretically possible to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface and then, inadvertently, touching your mouth, nose or face. In any case, we know that the virus is susceptible to disinfectants.

First, clean dirt off of the surface. Then wipe the surface with disinfectant. Leave the surface wet with disinfectant for as many minutes as the product instructions require. This is a vital step that people often miss. It’s not enough to just wipe the surface and go.

Apart from COVID-19, seasonal influenza, colds, and other viruses will continue to be a concern, so good hand hygiene and proper disinfection practices are habits that never go out of season.